He's described by a Hull casino as an "average" gambler, but he's taking Las Vegas' poker world by storm with his Yorkshire shrewdness - and is guaranteed to bring home six-figure winnings.

John Hesp, pictured wearing a snazzy jacket and smart hat bought for his American adventure, paid his 10,000 dollar (£7,677) entry fee to take on some of the world's finest players, ticking off an item on his bucket list in the process.

Now, he has made it through to the final nine of the competition, with the winner expected to pocket $8m (£6.1m).

GENTLEMAN: Staff at Napoleons casino in Hull say John Hesp is known for his manners

Regardless of how he fares in the next stage on Thursday, Mr Hesp is guaranteed to walk away with $1m (£766,166) - enough for a sprawling mansion with a private swimming pool in East Yorkshire.

Writing on Facebook, where he has shared his good fortune, Mr Hesp, a regular at Napoleons casino in George Street, city centre, says he is "living the dream".

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He wrote: "I am having the most surreal experience of my life. Just woke after hour hours sleep as my phones been pinging all night.

"It would appear that I've become an international poker superstar as people from all around the world are wanting to connect with me.

"All the TV people and poker press are wanting to interview me."

Mr Hesp, who lives in Bridlington, said he has wanted to compete against the best "for a while now".

"When I started just hoped I could make it into the top 1,000," he said. "I would like to thank my wife Mandy and all my family and friends back home for supporting me in this, and hope that I've done them, Bridlington and East Yorkshire proud."

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Stephen Good, head cardroom supervisor at Napoleons in Hull, said: "John is a very well mannered man and thoroughly deserves this.

"He is an average to good player - certainly not a professional. So the fact he has reached this far in a Las Vegas competition is brilliant.

"Some of the best players in the world now know about John Hesp.

"On behalf of everyone at Napoleon's in Hull, I would like to wish him the best of luck for the remainder of the competition."

Many are eagerly watching to see if Mr Hesp will become a millionnaire.

One commentator, who calls himself Mad Harper, wrote on Mr Hesp's Facebook page: "You are just amazing! You are inspiring players all over the world not just to play well and succeed, but to behave with dignity and decorum and charm.

"I am sure Yorkshire is going totally nuts in support. I have worked in the poker media for more than 13 years and this is my favourite story every! Take it down and good luck on Thursday!"